Read 7 Days of Prayer and Fasting Introduction
Welcome to day 1 of our 7 days of prayer and fasting. Today, let us dive into the profound spiritual discipline of fasting and explore how it can serve as a powerful catalyst for repentance and the rededication of ourselves back to God.
Let us begin our journey by turning to the Word of God. In Joel 2:12-13, the prophet implores, “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” This passage emphasizes the sincerity of our repentance—calling us to a true and heartfelt turning back to God.
Fasting is not merely abstaining from food; it is a deliberate and focused denial of the physical to enhance the spiritual. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus teaches us about the sincerity of our fasting, saying, “But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Repentance and Returning to God:
As we fast, it is essential to reflect on the state of our hearts. Have we allowed sin to take root? Are there areas of our lives where we have turned away from God? Psalm 51:10 becomes our heartfelt prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Through fasting, we create space for the Holy Spirit to convict us, leading us to genuine repentance.
The Prodigal Son: A Model of Repentance:
The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 beautifully illustrates repentance and the Father’s unwavering love. Like the prodigal son, we may have strayed, but when we turn our hearts back to God, we find a merciful Father eagerly waiting to embrace us.
Rededicating Our Lives:
Fasting not only reveals our need for repentance but also provides an opportunity to rededicate our lives to God. Romans 12:1 urges us, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
As we embark on this journey of fasting, let us do so with hearts open to repentance and rededication. May our fasting be a reflection of our sincere desire to draw near to God, seeking His forgiveness and guidance. Let us rend our hearts, turn away from sin, and embrace the loving arms of our Heavenly Father, who welcomes us back with grace and mercy. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen.
As you go about your day, try to make God your focus. Set the tone by beginning your day with praise and worship. I have a Spotify playlist that we use for the prayer line, click here to access it. Avoid TV, social media, drama, gossip, or any other distraction that’ll lessen your spiritual focus. Invite the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you during this time. Ask Him about what you should be reading and give your revelation on what He wants you to meditate on when it comes to God’s Word, as it is your spiritual food.
Fasting and Prayer Details:
Each day fasting from 6 AM to 6 PM Water Only throughout the day.
After 6 PM Fruits and Veggies Only, no meat.
What you need:
- Bible (Read at least a chapter a day)
- Get your prepare your fruit and veggies in advance
- In a journal, write down what God may be speaking to you through His Word or your dreams.
- 3 prayer points, what are you looking for God to do for you during this time of fasting and prayer?
- Have 3 -7 scriptures concerning your prayer points
- At least one person you want to focus on praying for.
- Prayer points for the body of Christ list
Church Prayer Points
- Pray for unity in churches and in the body of Christ.
- Pray for the pastor and church leadership.
- Pray for revival and a great awakening in the world.
